What to look out for when choosing addiction treatment

There are some essential factors to consider when looking into rehabilitation centres.

Accreditation

One of the first things to check when researching a treatment provider is that they are accredited. This ensures that the facility meets national standards for safety, quality of care, and effectiveness. Arrow Health holds accreditations with the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards and National Standard in Mental Health Services (NSMHS) Standards.

Accreditation requires rigorous assessment and an ongoing adherence to maintain standards. Without these, there is no guarantee that the facility operates with evidence-based practises or maintains the required standard of care. For peace of mind, always choose a provider that is transparent about their credentials.

Qualified and experienced staff

The effectiveness of addiction treatment can largely be connected with the experiences of the professionals running the program. When you are looking into an AOD treatment provider be sure to ask about the qualifications of their staff.

A reputable facility should have a team which includes:

• Certified addiction specialists
• Registered counsellors and therapists – with experience in substance use treatment
• Qualified medical staff to oversee detox and medication management
• Professionals trained to handle co-occurring mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression

You can find out more about the team at Arrow Health here.

Approach to treatment

Another essential factor when choosing a treatment provider is that they should be offering evidence-based treatments methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT).

Recovery isn’t one size fits all. Quality treatment facilities should be offering customised care plans to address individual’s needs, including support for people with co-occuring mental health disorders.

You can find more information about our clinical approach here.

Ask questions

It’s vital that you ask questions of any AOD treatment provider you are considering. These will help to determine if they are the right fit for you or your loved one.

Some important questions that must be asked when looking for AOD treatment, include:

• Is the program overseen by directors with medical and neuroscience degrees?
• Is there a refund policy?
• Can I inspect the facility before I commit?

Red flags to watch out for

While there are many reputable treatment providers, there are also some facilities that do not operate ethically or transparently. Here are some signs to look out for:

Guarantees: Addiction recovery is a complex and long-term process, no provider can guarantee complete or immediate success. Be wary of facilities that make unrealistic promises such as “quick fixes”, “100% success rate”, or “guarantees”.

Lack of transparency: If a provider is evasive or overly secretive about costs, treatment, or staff credentials – this should raise your concerns.

Overly luxurious: While comfort is important, it shouldn’t be more highly promoted than the services on offer. If there is no clear focus on clinical outcomes then you are likely looking at a resort and not an addiction rehabilitation treatment facility.

Be wary of any facility that prioritises profits over patient care. If they aren’t open about their methods, staff qualifications, or costs, it’s best to just look elsewhere.

Cost and coverage

Cost is generally a significant factor when choosing AOD treatment services. Ensure that you understand the financial commitment upfront. The financial aspect of treatment should be communicated clearly. This includes if the provider accepts private health insurance or offers flexible payment plans.

Make sure that you always confirm what is included in the cost of the program and ask about any additional fees. It’s important that the provider is transparent about upfront costs and that there are no unexpected fees.

Comprehensive care

One other aspect of treatment to consider is the range of services offered. The best facilities provide more than just addiction treatment, they offer comprehensive care.

Family support: Addiction affects the entire family, and involving loved ones in the recovery process can also be crucial for long-term success. Look for family focused support programs, such as our FREE Family First Step Program and family counselling.

Aftercare support: Recovery from addiction doesn’t just stop when treatment does. Ongoing support such as counselling and relapse prevention programs can assist in recovery post initial treatment.

Holistic services: Programs that include wellness activities, such as yoga, meditation, and nutrition help individuals maintain balance and health in recovery.

At Arrow Health, we are fully accredited and committed to providing tailored, evidence-based addiction treatment programs. Our team of qualified professionals is here to support you or your loved one every step of the way.

Recovery is possible.